Crochet group helps nonprofits through donations

More than a dozen women from around the Valley, and many more in Anchorage, have been meeting every other month to talk about a hobby. They are hoping more want to join them.

The women get together and crochet, and local organizations are seeing the benefit. In the past, the women have crochet afghan blankets for several nonprofit agencies, as well as police and rescue vehicles, to comfort those in need.

"Some of the women in Anchorage are working on a blanket for a senior center in there. Some of us out here are making blankets for the senior center's bazaar in November," said Marie McIntosh.

McIntosh said crocheting is a perfect way to pass the time for her.

"I'm 82 and it keeps my arthritis down," she said.

The meetings are held the last Saturday of every other month. The next time the Valley hosts the event, Aug. 30, it will be at the Nazarene Church behind Fred Meyer, from 10 a.m. to noon.

"We have 12 to 16 women from out here that go regularly. If we had more people interested, we'd like to start meeting every month," McIntosh said. "There's quite a bit of interest in crocheting out here."

At the meetings, McIntosh said the women do some crochet work, as well as talk about crochet.

Most of the women are part of the Crotchers Guild of American, and some have been to national conventions, McIntosh said.